What is Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy (GI)  is a nonsurgical procedure that helps the physician (normally a gastroenterologist ) to examine patient’s digestive tract using a tiny flexible viewing tube attached to a camera and light . It is widely used in GERD for identifying and grading severe esophagitis, monitoring patients with Barrett's esophagus, or when other complications of GERD are suspected. Upper endoscopy is also used as part of various surgical techniques

An endoscope is a thin flexible plastic tube containing a tiny camera,  when it is inserted through the mouth, the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum can be visually viewed on TV monitor for any abnormalities or growths. In this procedure the camera enables the doctor to see the surface of the esophagus and to look for abnormalities, including hiatal hernia and damage to the mucous lining. The physician may perform a biopsy (the removal and microscopic examination of small tissue sections). The biopsy can detect tissue injury indicating GERD. It may also be used to detect cancer or other conditions or viral infections (such as herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus). Such infections are more likely to occur in people with impaired immune systems.

In summary , the upper endoscopy procedure usually is performed to assess possible problems related to the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, and evaluate symptoms and causes of problems such as:

•  GERD or gastric reflux
•  difficulties in swallowing
•  abdominal pain
•  bleeding in digestive tract
•  anemia
•  nausea
•  Vomiting

Endoscopy procedure can detect and identify the following and also allows the doctor to take biopsy ( small pieces of tissue ) from the suspicious section for further examination :

•  Hiatal hernia
•  Ulcers or tumors
•  inflammation
•  abnormal growths
•  precancerous conditions

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